We enjoyed our walking tour with Juan Fernando, who was easy to be with - personal, fun, casual but informative, and passionate about Seville. Juan was also flexible and met us at our hotel which was very helpful. We learned so much history and Juan pointed out many landmarks, large/small and inbetween along the way. HIghly recommend Context Tours in general.
Sites & Insights: Seville City Tour
Orient yourself in Seville through Moorish, royal, and civic life
The Finer Details
Seville, capital of Andalusia and a crucial riverport city, boasts a rich history. Our Introduction to Seville tour makes for a culturally rich experience for travelers looking to see more of Spain. From its beginnings as a Roman settlement to its identity as Moorish territory, and eventually as a center for Christian rule, Seville has been molded by a variety of influences—including its strategic position along the Guadalquivir River—creating the dynamic city it is today. Our 3-hour Seville walking tour, guided by a historian, will provide an overview of the city's history, chronicling its storied origins by examining the highlights—Roman ruins, elaborate Mudéjar architecture, and immense monuments—of its historic core.
An Introduction to Seville Tour
We will meet our guide and commence our tour at the mammoth Metropol Parasol (Las Setas de la Encarnación), a monument that represents a fascinating juxtaposition of ancient and contemporary. The interwoven, waffle-like wooden structure was built to house the city's Roman artifacts but grew to offer a variety of public services, from restaurants below to a terrace with sweeping, panoramic views above. Together, we will discuss this site as it pertains to the city's Roman origins and its influence on Seville's overall development. It is also here where we can see one of the most stunning archaeological finds in the city, unearthed during construction in 2011. Viewing the ruins beneath Las Setas in the Antiquarium museum, we'll learn about Seville during the Roman period.
"We all agreed that our guide was classic Context - smart, funny, enthusiastic and highly educated about a broad range of subjects."
See Seville in a Day
Moving on, we will immerse ourselves in the narrow streets of the city's Alfalfa, El Arenal, and Santa Cruz neighborhoods, weaving the story of the 8th-century Muslim conquest and its indelible mark on the city with that of the Christian monarchs who succeeded it. We'll peek into a hidden Mudéjar-style courtyard, which reveals the Moorish legacy on the city's architecture. We'll discover a medieval shipyard, long in disuse, continuing our discussion of the importance of river trade on the city's development. We may even pass by the bust of Peter I of Castile, learning about the legend of this last monarch of Burgundy. We'll spend significant time at one of Seville's most magnificent Baroque churches, constructed on the site of what was, at various points in history, a Roman courthouse, a Visigothic church, and a Mosque. It is an ideal example of the coming together of Seville's most significant cultures.
Seville with an Expert
Ending at the Archivo de Indias, itself a UNESCO World Heritage Site, we'll consider the exterior of two of Seville's most emblematic structures—the Royal Alcázar and the Cathedral. Both of these impressive buildings represent Seville's pivotal turning point from Muslim territory to the Christian Reconquista. Please note that we do not tend to go inside these buildings on the tour, but we encourage you to visit independently afterwards. As our time together comes to a close, we will depart armed with a now solid understanding of the many layers of this magnificent city. As we take on our own independent exploration of these sites, as well as the rest of the city, we will feel prepared to make connections among Seville's various influences.
Looking to explore more of Spain? Consider our day trip from Madrid to Toledo. Alternatively, you could look at Roman ruins at our day trip from Madrid to Segovia.
FAQ About the Introduction to Seville Tour
Does this tour include the Royal Alcázar and the Cathedral?
Our tour will end near these two structures with an introduction to their significance within the context of the themes of the walk. You are encouraged to enter on your own following the tour.
Our tour will end near these two structures with an introduction to their significance within the context of the themes of the walk. You are encouraged to enter on your own following the tour.
Meet the Experts
Where You’ll Go
From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.
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Metropol Parasol
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Atarazanas
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Alfafa neighbourhood
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Santa Cruz neighborhood
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El Arenal neighborhood
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Archivo de Indias
What’s Included As Standard
Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.
Included
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English-speaking expert guideTours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
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Intentionally sized groupsA smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
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Tickets and entrance feesAll entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
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HeadsetsHeadsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.
Not Included
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GratuitiesTips aren’t included, but we encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
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Food and drinkUnless booking a Food & Drink tour or tasting experience, refreshments are not included.
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Transportation to and from the meeting pointUnless noted, pre- and post-tour transport isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
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Hotel pickup or drop-offUnless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
Where You'll Explore
Make the Most of Your Tour
Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.
Dos:
- Wear comfortable footwear
- Check the weather and dress appropriately
- Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
- Feel free to ask your Expert anything
Don'ts:
- Bring firearms or weapons
- Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
- Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments
Any questions? You can always
contact us.
Don’t just take our word for it
Rafael’s tour was exceptional. Our evening tour with him was a highlight of our entire vacation. He has a deep historical and contemporary understanding of the city which he discussed in a wonderful way. Rafael was friendly and funny. He is a part of the community as an academic and a neighbor in a city he knows well and helps keep vital. My wife and I cannot recommend Rafael and his tour enough. We learned a lot and enjoyed ourselves. We didn’t the tour to end!
Paco was great. He was informative and fun. He kept us moving along, but let us stop to take pictures whenever—which is how we like to roll.
Let Your Curiosity Shape Your Journey
Join passionate experts on intimate walking tours that reveal a city’s unique stories, spark conversations, and leave you seeing the world—and yourself—a little differently.
Structured, never scripted
Your interests guide your Expert, leading to stories and perspectives that matter to you.
Crafted for conversation
With 12 or fewer guests, ask questions, engage with your Expert, and fully immerse yourself.
Experts, not guides
Explore with 1,200+ Experts—from historians and architects to archaeologists and chefs.